Forum index > Feature request

DX7 import?

DX100
HI,
How do you import DX7 sysex?


ps Congratulations for launching this new FM synth, wishing you all the best luck with it for all your hard work!
KODAMO
Hi,
Just send the sysex when you are inside a Voice, the EssenceFM will overwrite it with the received sysex.

Currently, only single-voice DX7 sysexes are supported (each file size should be 163 Bytes -- you can check you have the right format)
DX100
ah great.
I didn't have any single voices stored anywhere but I found this great page for this task, just drag and drop a DX7 bank and will display all the presets in that bank, then just click to send...oh I can't include the link on this forum, search for Retrokits.
DX100
The import is not very accurate is it?
I think this is more the process than the Essence engine?
After extensive tweaking I can get the sounds a lot closer..any plans to improve the import accuracy?

Don't get me wrong I'm totally up for exploring new sounds on the Essence but I love the interface so much more than any Yamaha u.i. so would like to combine my existing patch library with new creations unique to this machine..still amazed having all this polyphony!
KODAMO
We're working on the support of full DX7 banks (32-voice) import via USB, it will make your life much easier without having to transmit each voice one by one.

On the accuracy however, I doubt it will get much better. Algorithms, volumes and frequencies are correctly imported, but everything related to envelopes, LFO, feedback or key scaling requires manual rework (it's due to major sound engine differences).
I hope it will at least help you saving time recreating your sounds on the EssenceFM
Synthplus81
Can I send Sysex Messages from my iPad Pro VIA USB Type B to the EssenceFM?
I am tempted to try this, but I thought I would ask first.

In the manual it says standard Midi Messages. I am not sure if that includes the SYSEX that I would attempt to send from KQ Dixie VST.
KODAMO
It should work with any single-voice dump if your VST uses the original DX7 format
DX100
I'm not finding the frequencies being imported correctly btw, sometimes they are, sometimes not.
DX100
Great to load a bank at a time, big plus!
Unfortunately the accuracy of the import is very low, maybe 10% of the original, occasionally you find one that sort of resembles the original, still it's a bit better than nothing!
KODAMO
Yes please excuse the crudity of this import. That's more like a fun feature we added late in the development stage, we may work again on this although it takes exponentialy more time to improve.

In its current state it may give you new sound ideas after the unfortunate "transformation" !
DX100
Be great if there was some way us users could help you make this feature better.
Maybe some sort of web database that has a list of all the parameters and then the equivalent Essence value..
I don't know, I'm just thinking out aloud, maybe there are some database geniuses on this forum or someone good with data..
I would love to contribute to this functional improvement, think of all the patches that would then become available!
korhanerel
Although it is fun to be surprised by the DX7 import, I think it would also be nice if the EssenceFM could also import them properly, with all parameters intact. Personally, I do not depend too much on DX7 sounds but there are some that I'd really like to use in my performances and compositions.
Failed Muso
I'm always amazed by how many people expect all FM synths to import DX patches as if the way Yamaha did FM in the DX range is the "standard". EssenceFM does many things differently and I am, quite frankly, amazed that it imports what it does. If you like a DX patch a lot, why not open it up in something like the free DEXED plug in, study how it works and recreate it in the EssenceFM by hand. That way you will learn more about how the EssenceFM works and how Yamaha's algorithmic FM implementation works too 🙂
DX100
Hi Failed Muso,
Well one reason is so we don't have to use those old synths anymore, taking advantage of modern technology without the headaches, there's so much to build on from what's been done already.
Failed Muso
Yes, but you don't expect an Arturia Polybrute to be able to import Prophet 5 patches simply because they both use analogue subtractive as their synthesis method. There just seems to be this bizarre fixation with every FM synth being able to import DX7 sounds 🙄
Strider
I think importing existing patches from another synth is a great way to learn more about patching techniques by reverse engineering, especially for FM synthesis.
Failed Muso
I think importing existing patches from another synth is a great way to learn more about patching techniques by reverse engineering, especially for FM synthesis.


Yes, but not all FM synthesis is the same. EssenceFM does FM quite differently to Yamaha's DX implementation.
John
different, yes, and it also sounds different than any old FM synth, thin, pale, weak bass, no punch, foggy mishmash just disappointing
KODAMO
"I imported sounds made for another machine in a totally different machine , and it doesn't sound as I expected, I wonder why..."
fish233
"different, yes, and it also sounds different than any old FM synth, thin, pale, weak bass, no punch, foggy mishmash just disappointing"

imho kinda stupid to compare old Yamaha FM with the EssenceFM. imagine pushing 200 voices through an ancient 12bit dac, probably will sound like shit too. different synth, different purposes. I like that the EssenceFM is quite clean because it allows space to create big stacks of voices. if you want the old yammie sound just get a dx7/tx7/tx81z
Frauke
Dear developers, you have built a fantastic instrument with the essence. I saved up for the instrument for almost 3 years and got it for Christmas and I am completely blown away by the possibilities and the haptic experience.
However, I have one big wish on my wish list because I really like a lot of the older sounds from the DX7. I can certainly create very nice new sounds with the Kodamo and in terms of operation, Kodamo leaves all other synths behind. However, before purchasing I had hoped that importing the sounds would be closer to the original sound, I really like these bell-like, percussive FM sounds...
After a few days I'm able to program the sounds I want a little better, but if I'm honest: before I bought it, I was hoping to be able to play back these old sounds and retire dexed... Now I read above that you can perhaps optimize the import. I have no idea what kind of development effort this represents, but for me it would be a stunning upgrade: finally giving the old dusty sounds of the DX7 the refinement that is technically possible with the Essence. I hope you find the time and opportunities to make the old sounds more accessible. Thank you for your wonderful instrument.

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